Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Paul H asked in PetsDogs · 8 years ago

How do I get my Old English Sheepdog to be more active?

I recently adopted a (at least) 5 year old Old English Sheepdog January 1st. He has been checked by my vet and has a clean bill of health. I feel he is a little gaunt (skinny) and want him to fill out at least a little more. I don't want a fat dog in the least! I just want him at a good weight and in good physical shape. Right now he is shaved and weighs 76 lbs. He is a tall-framed Old English Sheepdog. I supplement his diet with glucosamine and chondroitin and Vitamin C, as suggested by my vet.

My perception of an Old English Sheepdog is that of being active, even until they reach 10 years old. I have seen older Sheepdogs romp and play and play tug rope. They also have a happy disposition.

My adopted dog seems to lay around all day. I take him for walks after I get home from work and to the dog park as often as I can. He interacts with other dogs fine. His fastest speed is that of a slow gallop to fast trot. He doesn't seem to want to exert himself too much in my opinion. He also seems bored at home, unless I give him a beef bone to chew on....

I realize he is not a puppy any more.....am I expecting too much from him?

Am I the one who has a perception problem? Is this NORMAL for this dog at this age to just want to lay around? Otherwise, he is a gentle dog who walks well and is house broken. He follows basic commands well.

How do I get this dog to be more active while inside the house? Is it really necessary for him to be more active when he is inside? Do I need to add anything to his diet to make him more active? Do I need to change my relationship with him for him to be more active? What should my tall-framed fullly grown Old English Sheepdog weigh? Does he need to gain MORE weight? I plan to have him grow out his full coat in the months ahead......

I know........I ask LOTS of questions! Try to answer most of them, if you can.....

Any help would be appreciated!

1 Answer

Relevance
  • ?
    Lv 4
    8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    my brother owned one for years he was always kind of floppy rompy not galloping or anything

    they DO get bored give him chew toys stuffed toys bones

    I wish you owned a treadmill

    the weight for size ask your vet not us he knows your dog we don't

    my fiend had a 125 lb full grown dog I had a new terrier puppy she said they love stuffed toys

    I looked at her and thought she was nuts

    then went home and brought back two identical Snoopy's not only did each play with them they fought over which one was theirs

    so toys bones treadmill if you have one

    ask vet about correct body weight

    and I would not expect galloping they really re floppy rompy

    my brothers was for 14 years

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.